Homemade Peach Ice Cream: A Summertime Delight

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, creamy peach ice cream on a hot summer day. Bursting with juicy peaches and rich, velvety sweetness, this Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe is a must-try for dessert lovers. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going no-churn, this guide will help you create the perfect batch every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍑 Fresh Peach Flavor – Made with real peaches for a natural, fruity sweetness.
🍦 Creamy & Luxurious – A smooth custard base ensures a rich, decadent texture.
🔄 Two Methods Included – Works with an ice cream maker or no-churn (no machine needed!).
🌞 Perfect for Summer – A refreshing treat for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peach Puree:

• 4 cups fresh peaches (about 6-7 medium peaches), peeled and diced
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on peach sweetness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to enhance flavor and prevent browning)

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks (for custard base)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (for warmth)
• 2 tbsp peach schnapps or bourbon (for depth and creaminess)
• Chopped peaches (for extra texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peach Puree

1. Peel & Dice Peaches – Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to easily peel.
2. Cook Peaches – In a saucepan, combine diced peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until soft.
3. Blend & Chill – Puree half the mixture (for creaminess) and leave the rest chunky (for texture). Refrigerate until cold.

2. Make the Custard Base

1. Heat Milk & Cream – In a saucepan, warm 1 cup milk and ½ cup cream (do not boil).
2. Whisk Egg Yolks & Sugar – In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
3. Temper Eggs – Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
4. Cook Custard – Return mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 170°F).
5. Strain & Chill – Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then stir in remaining 1½ cups cold cream, vanilla, and salt. Chill for 4+ hours (or overnight).

3. Churn the Ice Cream

1. Combine & Churn – Mix chilled custard with peach puree and churn in an ice cream maker for 20-25 minutes (until soft-serve consistency).
2. Add Mix-Ins – Fold in extra diced peaches if desired.
3. Freeze Until Firm – Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 4+ hours before serving.

No-Churn Method (No Machine Needed)

1. Whip Cream – Beat 2 cups cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
2. Sweeten & Flavor – Fold in 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, peach puree, and vanilla.
3. Freeze – Pour into a loaf pan, swirl in extra peaches, and freeze for 6+ hours.

Tips for the Best Peach Ice Cream

✔ Use Ripe Peaches – The sweeter the peaches, the better the flavor.
✔ Prevent Ice Crystals – Ensure the custard is well-chilled before churning.
✔ Boost Peach Flavor – Add a splash of peach schnapps or almond extract.
✔ Storage Tip – Press plastic wrap directly on the ice cream surface to prevent freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions

🍨 Classic Bowl – Scoop into bowls with fresh peach slices.
🍰 Peach Melba – Serve with raspberry sauce and whipped cream.
🥧 À la Mode – Pair with warm peach cobbler or pie.

Storage & Freezing

• Freezer Life – Best within 2 weeks for optimal texture.
• Thawing – Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peach Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert—creamy, fruity, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you use an ice cream maker or the no-churn method, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat.

Whip up a batch today and savor the taste of summer! 🍑✨